Church raises concerns about Christian Free Masons

The Church of England has reignited the debate over whether being a member of the Freemasons is compatible with Christianity.

The Church said it had "significant concerns" about the presence of the secretive organisation after more than ten Anglican cathedrals hosted special services for Masonic lodges.

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), which has more than 200,000 members, marked its 300th anniversary last year.

Speaking at the Church's General Synod meeting, the Bishop of Coventry flagged up a 1987 report issued by the church that highlighted a "number of very fundamental reasons to question the compatibility of Freemasonry and Christianity".

The Rt Rev Dr Christopher Cocksworth responded to a question tabled on the second day of the three-day meeting in London of the Church's governing body.